Installation guide

32 Chapter 2:Hardware Installation and Operating System Configuration
devices on one channel and the shared disks on the other channel. Using multiple SCSI cards is also
possible.
See the system documentation supplied by the vendor for detailed installation information. See Ap-
pendix A, Supplementary Hardware Information for hardware-specific information about using host
bus adapters in a cluster.
Figure 2–2 Typical Cluster System External Cabling
Figure 2–2, Typical Cluster System External Cabling shows the bulkhead of a sample cluster system
and the external cable connections for a typical cluster configuration.
2.2.2 Setting Up a Console Switch
Although a console switch is not required for cluster operation, it can be used to facilitate cluster
system management and eliminate the need for separate monitors, mouses, and keyboards for each
cluster system. There are several types of console switches.
For example, a terminal server enables connection to serial consoles and management of many systems
from a remote location. For a low-cost alternative, use a KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switch,
which enables multiple systems to share one keyboard, monitor, and mouse. A KVM switch is suitable
for configurations in which access to a graphical user interface (GUI) to perform system management
tasks is preferred.